The Norman Tel Aviv

Housed in two meticulously restored 1920s residential buildings separated by a peaceful citrus garden, this boutique hotel has classic beauty enhanced by custom furnishings and post decor. It's one of the most expensive hotels in the city, the guests here—mostly well-heeled tourists and some business travelers, plus VIPs and celebs—pay top dollar and expect perfection in return. The Norman, which has a never-say-no service policy, almost always delivers. Halls lined with Israeli art, walls holding up decades of heritage, and beautiful, smart design lend to the overall feeling of culture throughout the hotel, and there's an undeniable vibe of exclusivity that a few guests and locals feels translates into pretension. Most of the action takes place in the main building, while the suite building is designed for extra privacy. 

The Norman is located a block and a half from the trendy and upscale Rothschild Boulevard. This just-south-of-central location is within walking distance to several restaurants along the boulevard, cafes in the middle of the central walking path, and just 10 minutes to the beach on foot.  

• Two-minute walk to Rothschild Boulevard
• Eight-minute walk to Rabin Square
• 10-minute walk to Carmel Market
• 12-minute walk to Ben Yehuda Street
• 16-minute walk to the beach and boardwalk
• Eight-minute drive to Sarona Market
• Eight-minute drive to Dizengoff Street
• Nine-minute drive to Old Jaffa 
• 13-minute drive to Tel Aviv Port

All 50 of The Norman's guest rooms and suites have a noticeable attention to detail with stylish touches, like leather headboards, polished metal TV stands, glass jars in bathrooms, and beautiful handmade wooden Portuguese furniture with a midcentury modern look. Posh items like terrycloth bathrobes and slippers, sensor minibars stocked with international soft drinks and snacks, welcome macaroons and Israeli wines, and fresh flowers come as standard. Guests also get Nespresso machines, iPads, retro-looking iPod docks, and extra bathroom amenities like loofahs and mouthwash.

Units are bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, though standard Classic and Deluxe Rooms still feel slightly snug. Upgrades to Grand Deluxe rooms don't feel much larger since most of the extra space is taken up by large entryways that double as open walk-in closets and minibar areas. Grand Deluxe bathrooms have clawfoot tubs and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Suites in the second building have a slightly more modern look and pops of bold color in the furniture. These rooms have a higher level of privacy, a very luxurious feel, and super king beds. The Corner Suites have French door entry, black wood floors, and narrow terrace areas with iron balconies and small cafe tables overlooking the street. The decor is much more design-focused and modern, with crocodile leather writing desks, marble-topped dining tables with funky-patterned chairs, and soft, retro-modern couches. Suites also get extra toiletries.   

The Penthouse Suites are bright, beautiful, and have a butler entrance to a fully equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher and mini-fridge. Crystal liquor containers rest on marble wet bars and marble-topped islands with leather barstools are set just before the living room areas. There's also large corner terraces with covered loungers, seating for four, and fantastic city views. The bathroom is large with unique black and rust-colored swirled marble floors, central soaking clawfoot tubs, large walk-in showers with dual showerheads, and small side terraces. 

The Norman is known for its excellent level of service, and there's a high staff-to-guests ratio. Features are top-notch, starting with the hotel’s Alena Restaurant, which has been given a makeover and now serves French-Mediterranean dishes in an elegant and contemporary environment, as well as out on the terrace. Weekend brunches are popular here, especially in summer. There's also a Japanese restaurant with heated terrace seating and sake cocktails. Both restaurants serve kosher cuisine. Creative cocktails are also found downstairs off reception in the hotel’s Library Bar. Events include DJs sets each Wednesday and an Italian-style happy hour with small plates. 

The rooftop pool area is tranquil and chic, with several sunbeds, a tiled infinity pool, and sweeping views over the city. Drink and food service is available, and the area gets packed during warmer months. Unlike several other hotels in the area (or in Tel Aviv, for that matter), The Norman has a fair amount of outdoor space, from the restaurant terrace to the citrus garden to the courtyard garden, for guests to sit and relax. The wellness area is small but efficient, with a one-treatment spa area with luxurious Aroma products in a custom scent, and a small gym with a few TechnoGym machines. In warmer months, guests can receive massages out on the terrace, where there are also semi-private cushioned loungers for relaxing. Other amenities include concierge, 24-hour room service, meeting and private dining spaces for up to 20 people, valet parking for a fee, and free Wi-Fi throughout.